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Giant African Snail

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Giant African snail (GAS) is the common name for several large African land snail

species. The most damaging of these pests is Lissachatina fulica—a favorite of the

pet trade. It is known to eat more than 500 types of crops and ornamental plants.

GAS is a threat to animals and people because it can transmit parasites such as rat

lungworm and other diseases.
GAS thrive in tropical and subtropical areas but can survive short periods of cold

weather. They reproduce quickly, laying clutches of eggs every 2 to 3 months. It

only takes one snail to start a population because they can self-reproduce. With help

from the State of Florida and other partners, we have eradicated GAS twice from

Miami (1975 and 2021), but we continue to battle small populations in other parts of

Florida.

What To Look For

Adult GAS are usually 3 to 4 inches in length, but some can reach up to 8

inches in length and 5 inches in diameter (about the size of an average adult

fist).

Generally, they have brownish, cone-shaped shells with nearly vertical lighter

brown stripes. The brown shell color can vary widely.

Their bodies inside the shell can be grayish-brown or milky-white in color. The

light-colored bodies are most commonly seen in the pet trade.

Eggs are round, about 1⁄4-inch in diameter, and yellow to cream color.

Tap any image to view larger size.


Show Info

Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Yuri Yashin, achatina.ru, Bugwood.org
Is It a GAS? Some native snails, especially those found in southern States, may look

similar to GAS. View images of snails that could easily be mistaken for GAS.

How To Prevent This Pest

Although GAS are illegal in the United States, people continue to bring them into the

country for use as pets, food, and other purposes. To prevent an infestation:

Do not buy or keep snails for any purpose.
Never release live snails into the environment.

When traveling outside the United States, do not mail or bring snails back with

you.

Research and government institutions must obtain a permit from APHIS to

import and keep snails under very strict conditions.

Be cautious around these snails. They may carry organisms that can cause

disease in people. If you handle snails or slugs, wear gloves and wash your hands.

Always thoroughly wash fresh produce.

There are some native snails in Florida that are threatened and endangered and

should not be moved or touched.

How It Is Treated

You should not attempt to get rid of GAS on your own. If you find a snail, do not

touch it or attempt to pick it up. Instead, take a picture of the snail, note the

location, and immediately contact your State plant health director or State

department of agriculture. If State or Federal officials confirm it is GAS, they may

establish a quarantine and use a molluscicide from the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency to treat the area.

Report Plant Pests and Diseases

Have you seen this pest or signs of pest damage? Immediately report your findings.

Find your State plant regulatory official

Find your State plant health director

Controlling Giant African Snails

Current Status

Giant African snail was first introduced into the United States in Miami, FL, in 1966. It

was eradicated in 1975. GAS was re-introduced in Miami in 2011 and eradicated

again in 2021 (178.58 KB). We also detected and eradicated GAS in Puerto Rico.

APHIS and cooperators are now responding to new introductions of the invasive
snails in other parts of the Florida.

GAS is widespread in Hawaii. They are also established in American Samoa, Guam,

and the Mariana Islands.

Reports and Assessments

View All Final Environmental Documents